Most film soundtracks serve the purpose of complementing the story. They help to intensify the suspense in an action scene, strengthen the sadness of an emotional sequence or capture the longing between characters in a romantic moment.

However, Ludovich Bource has a lot more on his plate than the average film composer with The Artist. As this is a black and white silent film entirely void of dialogue, he must carry the weight of the entire picture on his back with the music taking a lead role in the production. After all, instead of simply complementing the mood or atmosphere of a particular scene here, it’s up to the composer alone to create these feelings from scratch.

Nonetheless, though the success of The Artist rests in the hands of Bource, who has worked on every one of director Michael Hazanavicious’ films to date, he executes his work brilliantly.

Every single track is as charming, rousing and catchy as one you might find in a Charlie Chaplin classic, perfectly capturing the remarkable era in which The Artist is set. Plus, his ability to switch from the whimsical and cheerful moments of the film to the achingly sad ones too is outstanding.

Popular songs from the late 1920s and 1930s also make up for soundtrack for The Artist with Red Nicholls And His Five Pennies providing the foot-tapping Imagination and Kate Murphy singing the glorious Pennies From Heaven. However, it’s Ludovich Bources’ Oscar worthy work that obviously stands out here.

Simultaneously carrying the ability to inspire nostalgia, joy and heartache while ensuring that you hum its central melody for days on end, The Artist’s is a soundtrack that film lovers all over will need in their collection.